Reporting by Mairéad Cleary
Ireland's shorter school days are leaving many parents stretched, as they attempt to juggle school pick-ups with work.
That's according to consultancy group, The Parenting Expert, who'd like to see a longer school day trialed here, similar to what's being done in Wales.
13 schools in Wales will stay open for one hour extra per day for the next 10 weeks as part of a trial, to bring students in schools that were most disadvantaged by the pandemic up to speed.
Founder of the Parenting Expert Laura Erskine wants to see extra non-academic classes introduced as she says parents are being stretch to their limit:
"In terms of getting a full working day done, parents who are working along this model have to log on again at 9pm and work until midnight, or thereafter.
So could the idea work here? Guidance Counsellor Brian Mooney says teachers won’t be on board:
"Who in the end are going to staff these? Teachers have contracts of employment, we've had years of debate about the additional hours that were brought in over (The) Croke Park (Agreement.)
The trial in Wales will offer students extra lessons as well as non-academic classes such as sport, art and music.
